Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this additional reading establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .